The number 1 thing required to mend the relationship between First Nations and the feds is “political will,” says Cree NDP MP Romeo Saganash.
“If (political will) is not there, I think this is going to continue,” Saganash said.
Saganash, who has been on medical leave since October to deal with a dependence on alcohol, has returned to work during the thrust of nationwide First Nations demonstrations.
For him, the issues at the heart of the Idle No More movement are enormously personal.
The Quebec MP has spent the bulk of his professional life as a lawyer and advocate for aboriginal rights.
He helped to negotiate the historic James Bay-Northern Quebec agreement, and he spent more than 20 years at the United Nations helping to discuss the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Saganash is also a residential school survivor.
“I’m glad to be back at this very moment,” Saganash said. “We need to demonstrate we are willing to sit down and fix this.”
Saganash says he is hopeful there seems to be “movement on the part of the prime minister” following a meeting with some aboriginal leaders and Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Friday.
But he says he understands why First Nations have reached a tipping point.
“The moment that we are witnessing right now is crucial,” he said. “I totally understand the frustration.”
Saganash also says recent blockades and demonstrations should be evaluated “in context.”
“You can’t just talk about … a blockade here, a demonstration there,” he said.
Categories: General
NDP MP Romeo Sagansh has many accomplishments concerning First Nations people and working on their behalf 20 years for the United Nations.
My question to MP Sagansh and you is. why First Nations people are not fully informed of what is in Bill C45. nor anyone else who can’t be bothered to read it . Certainly not a simple read weeding through everything else involved, but perfectly clear once it’s understood that this bill isn’t a threat to our environment or to FN people. In fact Kristy you may be impressed that our present government is including rights to people living on reserves, more so than any other government in the past.
Prime Minister Harper openly apologized in Cabinet for residential school abuses of children. A few friends from the west coast were brutally abused in schools, we talk often of our experiences.
Unfortunately MSM isn’t reporting as well as regular folks who have taken the time to read Bill C-45 . they’re commenting on forums informing people. One has to ignore racists and bigots on “both sides” but there are very serious folks posting facts that media is not reporting for some unknown reason except perhaps create newsworthy havoc .
It would be a breath of fresh air if the Sun explained C45 clearly concerning native issues.
In view of the latest developments I feel that it is time for our prime minister to say enough is enough! He, and his caucus, should tell the F.N. leadership that there will be no more funds forthcoming until the following coditions are met:- No more blockades; Open the books to official scrutiny. Set up a system that distributes the money fairly and equitably. If misappropriation is found, lay charges under the criminal code of Canada. Perhaps then we will find that the &18billion anually will go around in a more equitable manner and conditions on the reserves will improve.
What about FN chiefs own accountability to their people Saganash?
We, the taxpayers are frustrated that our tax dollars is not being used properly by the chiefs.
PM STEPHEN HARPER has been in contact with the FN leaders to discuss issues on matters pertaining to their needs since 2006. I am amazed that you Saganash know nothing of this. And to top it off, many of those bills were NOT VOTED BY THE NDP. So to come out all bravado when your party voted against many of those bills is rather crude on your part.
I and many of us do not like to be patronized for what we have done and given to FNs.